Researchers identify new monkey species in Congo forest after 75 years of discovery

The Colobus congoensis. PIC COURTESY/Junior Amboko

Researchers confirmed Colobus congoensis - known locally as Likweli - as a new monkey species in Democratic Republic of Congo's Lomami National Park this week.

The species has distinctive orange-cream facial markings, weighs around 7 kg, and diverged from its closest relative four to five million years ago - only the fifth new African monkey species identified in 75 years.

The species, with a proposed ‘Endangered' status, occupies an area of 1700 sq km.

7 kg
Weight of Colobus congoensis

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever